Muscidae

Horn Fly Haematobia irritans irritans (Linnaeus) (Insecta: Diptera: Muscidae)

Dan Fitzpatrick and Phillip E. Kaufman

House fly, Musca domestica Linnaeus (Insecta: Diptera: Muscidae)

Hussein Sanchez-Arroyo and John L. Capinera

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences. This document provides an in-depth profile of the house fly, Musca domestica Linnaeus, detailing its life cycle, distribution, and medical importance. Originating from central Asia, the house fly is now found globally, thriving in various environments. It undergoes complete metamorphosis and can produce numerous generations annually. House flies are significant pests, capable of transmitting pathogens and causing health issues. Effective management includes sanitation, traps, biological control, and selective insecticide use. The document emphasizes the importance of integrated fly control programs for maintaining public health and comfort. Original publication date August 1998.

Horn Fly Management

P. E. Kaufman and E. N. I. Weeks

Horn flies are one of the livestock pests with the greatest impact on the health and productivity of cattle. Economic losses due to horn fly damage are estimated at $36 million annually in Florida alone. In the U.S.A. annual losses total between $700 million and $1 billion, with up to $60 million spent on insecticidal control. Horn fly damage is caused by blood feeding. The flies feed frequently and exclusively on blood, piercing the skin of cattle with their proboscis and taking around 20 small blood meals each day. Pain and irritation due to the constant presence of the flies and their bites causes defensive behavior in the cattle that prevents adequate food consumption and rest.

Stable Fly Stomoxys calcitrans (L.) (Insecta: Diptera: Muscidae)

Phillip E. Kaufman, Edwin R. Burgess IV, and Emma N. I. Weeks

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids, and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.

Pepper Fruit Fly Atherigona orientalis (Schiner) (Insecta: Diptera: Muscidae)

Kenneth L. Hibbard, William A. Overholt, and James P. Cuda

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences.